Jannik Sinner and Aryna Sabalenka Now Have a Fear Factor: Jimmy Connors on the Duo Developing a ‘Special’ Edge After US Open Success

Legendary tennis player Jimmy Connors has praised the evolving dominance of Jannik Sinner and Aryna Sabalenka, claiming that the pair are beginning to cultivate a “fear factor” among their opponents. Their recent successes at the US Open have drawn admiration from fans and critics alike, with Connors noting how their consistent performance is building a “special” edge that sets them apart in the increasingly competitive world of tennis.

 

Rising to New Heights: Sinner and Sabalenka’s Breakthrough Moments

 

Jannik Sinner, the 22-year-old Italian star, has steadily climbed the ranks of the ATP tour. Over the last year, Sinner’s game has matured significantly, with his blend of power, precision, and court coverage proving too much for many of his opponents. At the US Open, Sinner demonstrated his full potential, battling his way through to the later rounds and impressing with his resilience under pressure.

 

Sabalenka, the Belarusian powerhouse, has equally cemented her place at the top of women’s tennis. Coming into the US Open as one of the top seeds, Sabalenka didn’t disappoint. She carried her momentum from a stellar season into the tournament, showcasing her aggressive baseline play and powerful serve. Her breakthrough at Flushing Meadows solidified her position as the new World No. 1, further confirming her as a dominant force on the WTA tour.

 

Connors on the “Fear Factor”

 

In a recent interview, Jimmy Connors, an eight-time Grand Slam champion, spoke about how both Sinner and Sabalenka are starting to create a palpable sense of intimidation among their peers. According to Connors, every great player throughout history—from Björn Borg to Roger Federer—developed an aura, a kind of invincibility that made opponents falter even before stepping onto the court. Connors believes that Sinner and Sabalenka are now beginning to tap into that psychological advantage.

 

“They’ve reached a level where, even before the match starts, their opponents know they’re up against someone special. That kind of mental edge is hard to develop, but when you’ve got it, it can take you a long way,” Connors explained.

 

Connors pointed to their performances at the US Open as proof that both players are ready to be considered among the sport’s elite. “When you see how Sinner and Sabalenka handle pressure, their consistency, and the way they dominate, you know they’re onto something special,” he said.

 

Sinner: The Italian Sensation

 

Jannik Sinner has had an impressive season, showing marked improvement in his ability to stay composed in the crucial moments of matches. While he hasn’t yet won a Grand Slam, his success in the 2023 season, particularly at the Masters 1000 level and his performance at the US Open, signals that a major victory may not be far away.

 

Sinner’s powerful groundstrokes, coupled with his ability to cover the court with exceptional speed, have made him a nightmare for opponents. His match against Alexander Zverev in the US Open was a testament to his development, as he managed to outlast the German in a thrilling five-set battle.

 

The Italian has already established himself as a player who thrives in big moments, and Connors believes that Sinner’s tactical intelligence is key to his growing reputation. “Sinner doesn’t just play tennis, he thinks his way through matches. He’s becoming one of those players you don’t want to face deep in a tournament.”

 

Sabalenka: The Dominant Force on the WTA Tour

 

Aryna Sabalenka’s rise to World No. 1 has been nothing short of spectacular. Known for her aggressive style, Sabalenka’s recent consistency has made her one of the most feared players on the tour. At the US Open, she showed both her power and mental fortitude, battling her way to the title match and claiming victory with a display of dominance.

 

Sabalenka’s serve, arguably one of the most powerful in women’s tennis, has become an integral part of her game. Coupled with her relentless attacking style from the baseline, she overwhelms opponents. But beyond her raw power, Sabalenka has developed a more well-rounded game, improving her movement and defense, making her a more complete player.

 

Connors was particularly impressed with Sabalenka’s mental toughness. “She’s got that swagger now. She’s playing like someone who believes she’s the best in the world, and that kind of confidence makes a huge difference,” he said.

 

Sabalenka’s ability to dictate the pace of play and take the initiative in rallies is what sets her apart. “She’s not waiting for her opponent to make mistakes. She’s going out there to win points. That’s the kind of approach that wins Grand Slams,” Connors added.

 

The Psychological Edge: Building a Legacy

 

For both Sinner and Sabalenka, their US Open success is just another step toward establishing themselves as dominant figures in the sport. Connors emphasized that one of the hardest aspects of tennis is not just maintaining physical fitness and skill, but also developing a psychological edge over competitors.

 

“You look at players like Djokovic or Nadal, and they’ve got something extra—it’s not just about their physical game. They know how to win even when they’re not at their best, and that’s because they’ve got that fear factor. Sinner and Sabalenka are starting to create that same feeling,” said Connors.

 

What’s Next for Sinner and Sabalenka?

 

As the 2024 tennis season approaches, all eyes will be on Sinner and Sabalenka to see how they continue to evolve. With both players already inside the top 5 of their respective rankings, the next challenge will be consistency and translating their immense potential into more major titles.

 

For Sinner, the focus will be on fine-tuning his game and gaining more experience on the biggest stages. Sabalenka, now at the peak of the WTA rankings, will aim to consolidate her position and fend off challengers like Iga Świątek and Elena Rybakina, who are nipping at her heels.

 

Connors believes that both players have what it takes to stay at the top. “They’ve got the skill, they’ve got the mindset, and now they’ve got that extra something that makes champions. The next few years will be very exciting for tennis.”

 

In the world of professional tennis, developing a fear factor is no easy feat, but with players like Jannik Sinner and Aryna Sabalenka, the future of the sport looks brighter—and more intimidating—than ever.